Holy See calls for abolition of death penalty at UN

Archbishop Christophe El-Kassis, the Holy See's permanent observer to the United Nations, urged the international community to abolish the death penalty during a meeting of the UN General Assembly's Third Committee on October 7. Addressing the assembly on human rights protection, El-Kassis argued that capital punishment is inadmissible because it attacks the dignity of the person.

El-Kassis stated that human dignity is given by God and cannot be lost regardless of the crime committed. He noted that modern penal systems can protect society without removing the possibility for a person to repent or find redemption. He also warned that there is no way to correct a mistake if an innocent person is executed, adding that taking a life cannot restore what victims and their families have lost.

The Archbishop's remarks follow recent executions in the United States, including a botched execution in Tennessee on September 30 and an execution in Texas. Additionally, President Donald Trump approved an execution by military firing squad on October 5. In a separate statement regarding criminal justice and drug control, El-Kassis emphasized the importance of prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation.